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November 1
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The great Mother Teresa once said, "Let us meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." The girl who sells in a small kiosk close to our school has been eye-balling me for weeks and I have been ignoring her too for weeks, hoping in her own time or reason she would consider how inappropriate all her gestures were.
The girl who sells with a smiling face in the school canteen is the same girl that sells in a small kiosk. Today, I stared at her and returned her smile back. Trying to follow the wise words of Mother Teresa, I drew a hand of friendship, stretching my hands towards her. She laughed and looked at me not in a class-stalker way, or in hearty-crazy kind of way but in a way that makes me feel so uncomfortable.
"How are you?" She said.
"I am fine," I replied then added, "and you?"
"If I told you that I wasn't really feeling good would you take good care of me?" She asked, not smiling or flashing her eyelids.
"It depends o
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Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger November 3
Apart from the fact that British footballer, Ian Wright was born today, there was also something special about the third day of November. It was sunday. The day the “Holy Bible said God rested after creating the world in a period of six days. I try not to imagine the normal seven days I know: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is insane if you try to imagine that.I was raised to accept that God rested on the seventh day and it was expected from us(Christians) to go to church on the last day of the week. That was when I was a Christian, still followed Mum to church and ignore Dad's atheist comments. It was not until I was seven did I know that the last day of the week was not sunday but saturday. People who go to church on saturdays are they the ones who are right? And those who go to church on sundays are they the ones who are wrong?It has been more than a year since I last stepped foot on any church. Before you start ju
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger November 11
So today I am not going to be talking about my life because I believe there are a lot of things everyone of you that is reading this journal has learnt about me. Instead, I want to tell the story of a guy named Jack. He was the senior prefect in my former school in Port-Harcourt. In this story, I am going to be the sole narrator and whatever I say is authentic and not falsified. I would like you to pay attention to this wonderful tale of Jack. I am aware that it may not be any of the things that have happened to me but this story is important. Jack's story is important because I am a part of it. I am part of it in a very little way that you may not be able to notice but I am.Jack has had a lot of girlfriends since his rise to greatness in my former school in Port-Harcourt. He has had the classy girls, the rich girls with fake Gucci watches and flamboyant styles. The nerdy or less popular girls have never been left out in his taste to explore womanhood and of course most of his quest t
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger November 16
I looked up cautiously as I studied the tree close to a swamp. It was hard like a palm tree. It was a palm tree.Goodness stood close to me holding a book and a pen in his hand. Dirt and blood covered his innocent hands. His dark brown eyes burned with triumph as he showed me the lizard he had captured and killed. I stood up slowly and told him to get the arboreal creature out of my sight.Goodness held his hand out for me to take it. I rejected it."We are supposed to be studying trees not killing lizards," I informed him."There is no harm in tormenting the creatures that God has given us dominion over," Goodness replied."I am not touching that lizard no matter what you say or do to me.""And I won't force you to do anything you don't want to do."I raised a shaky arm up as I made attempts to get the attention of my geography teacher. We were on a school excursion to a forest zone in Enugu because it was necessary for our und
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger November 20
Today was the one of the weirdest day of my life. I just woke up and found out that I was still alive after finding myself in a very bad situation in a dream that I couldn't understand.In my dream, I was standing on top of a rock, raising my hands like a general who was preparing to lead a great army to a large battle that he was sure he wouldn't lose. I did not stand on the top of the rock for long when I found myself on the top of a mountain. If I wasn't a well educated human being, I would have easily said the mountain was Mount Everest because of the height above the ground. The mountain was so huge that I was afraid I would fall at any moment but I didn't fall. I stood on top of the mountain for a while until I heard the sound of a trumpet coming from nowhere. The sound continued for long until I yelled at whoever that was trying to get me scared to stop what he or she was doing. Before I knew what was happening to me, I found myself in a thick forest with trees of diff
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger November 29
Our end of term exams were fast approaching and every single person in my class was preparing so hard to make good grades before going for vacation and enjoying the Christmas holiday. The third period we had today on our timetable was an English class and we were required to write an essay about life shortly after our teacher wrote the topic of the essay on the white board and faced the class."You are going to write an essay about the life of a child in a country like Nigeria and I will use it to grade your second assessment for the term," my English teacher said. She was an unmarried woman in her mid-forties."How many minutes do we have to come up with that piece?" Goodness asked."You have thirty minutes," my English teacher replied and checked her wristwatch. "Your time starts now."In the next twenty minutes I was done with my essay. I revised it several times before standing up from my desk and submitting it to her."Read what you wrot
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger December 1
I got a zero score for an essay I worked very hard to write and it still doesn't make sense to me. Was my English teacher pissed at me for quoting Mandela's words on a philosophy well cherished by South Africans and the world at large? I stumbled across the “Ubuntu” philosophy online some days ago when I was looking for African philosophies that has changed the world. The philosophy I wrote for my essay was one of them and I am not pleased to know that I got nothing out of my efforts. Was my essay out of context? Did it not tell the story of a child in a decent manner that you wouldn't deny appreciating? I don't know if I should meet my English teacher and request for s change of score. As far as I am concerned, if my test score in English is left the way it is, I would definitely have a hard time passing the subject this term and since our exams were yet to begin until next week monday, I still have a week and a day to prove to my teacher that I was worth more than a ze
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger December 4
Dawn always comes with a reminder that a new day is about to begin. The bizarre feeling of thinking about something that you couldn't remember clearly when you wake up from a deep sleep gnawed my mind before I was able to stand up today and deal with my own internal torments."I hope you have prepared for your exams today? I want you to be the best student in your class by the end of this term," Uncle Max said, folding my school uniform."I will try my best to make you proud although it may not be easy because I have tough competition in that school and my grades in tests have not really been good," I said, trying to place the mathematics textbook I studied the previous night on my reading table."This is not about you trying hard or not trying hard at all. This is about you making the top spot in your class," Uncle Max poked a finger at my face."How do I pass an exam if I don't try hard, Uncle Max?" I asked."Like I said, I don't care
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger December 7
It has almost been a month since I had my first conversation with the girl who sells at the kiosk. The girl who I ran away from with the help of an Ice cream van. The girl whose name is Delaney. We have been keeping in touch for sometime now. Texting each other through our phones and expressing our love for each other in an integrated way. First of all, I have never considered dating anyone in my entire life but with everything changing in the vast world, I gave dating a lot of thoughts and I had her in mind. Though, Delaney was not from a rich family like I was and she didn't go to school like I did, I still liked her. I liked her because of the way she saw life and thr way she took control of every situation that came her wayShe was patient and hard-working. She was sweet and nice. She was also trying her best to cope with the stress that comes with making money and looking for quality education at the same time. It is not easy for someone to live the kind of life she was
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Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger About the Author
Chibuzor Victor Obih was born in the southern part of Nigeria. Delta State to be precise. His writing includes essays, poetry and short stories. He likes to play soccer, read, study and above all, write. He is currently a fourth year student of a renowned public university in Nigeria. The University of Port-Harcourt is where he is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger is his second book and his second attempt to explore the beautiful world of a novelist. To stay connected with him and his works, you can follow him on Instagram using the account name, Chibuzor Victor Obih or follow him on Facebook using the account name, Author Chibuzor Victor Obih.
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 31
The pathway to heaven is rough. The streets are not tarred. The bells are not ringing. Where is God?Apart from the sound of the water dripping from the tap in the bathroom, I couldn't hear anything. I couldn't even hear my heart beating inside my chest."This is going to be my last attempt," I said to myself.I tried to turn around as I felt the impact of the drug I took. I tried to move my limbs but I couldn't. I closed my eyes and saw myself dying. It was terrible. Then, suddenly, I saw Jesus Christ looking down at me. His feet, white as snow. His hair, colorful as gold. He took my arm and told me to get up."I will give you another chance, Perer," he said."Why?" I asked, confused."Because you deserve it."I didn't know what else to say. I just stood there, shocked. I stood in front of the son of God I had condemned most of my life and I couldn't say anything. All I could think about was my book. The diary I had writt
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 26
"The first time I have ever thought of killing myself was in Port-Harcourt. I wanted to make my death quick. Less painful! I wanted to pass any sharp thing through my body and bleed till I was dead. I didn't realize how painful it was until I grew older," I said to the therapist."Where were your parents when you were going through all of this?" The therapist asked."What can I say about my parents," I said, thinking. "Dad stayed with us until he divorced Mum some months ago. Then I was sent to live with my uncle here as if I was the cause of their divorce. Dad was always thinking about life. He constantly joked about God. For your information, Dad hates God. I don't know the exact reason why he hates God, I only know he hates God. Anytime someone mentions the name of God, he gets pissed.""Do you think your Dad's hatred for God is the reason why you hate God too?""I don't think so," I swallowed hard. "My case is different from Dad. I only want answers t
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 23
For days, I have been pondering about the meaning of my life and I can tell you that I haven't been gripped by the fear of it even if it is the slightest bit of it. Have you ever been scared of dying and as well feel you are not afraid of living? Only two days did I hear a preacher speak of eternal life and it resounded in my ears for as long as I could remember. It was the first time a person read a bit of my mind without knowing me. Do you think I am slowly turning to God?For so long I have dreamt of Clag and Danny. And for so long I have demanded an answer as to why I was brought to this life, but yet, there haven't been any answers. For some reasons, I reckon, I am but only a roaming lifeless mustard seed enclosed in a showcase and packaged in a nylon called life. To prove my point, think of an empty space with an empty sack lying downwards. Can you imagine that?I left home today to visit Goodness. A newness of
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 20
"Thank you for coming today," the therapist said. "I was afraid you wouldn't come because of the way you sounded when you left my office the other day.""Can we continue from where we stopped. As you can see, I am already getting tired of this introductions.""I understand. I understand, Perer."The therapist turned my file to the next page."I thought I would never say this about you but you are an incredibly smart person. You deserve a good life.""Almost everyone does," I replied."Some, more than others. Those who set goals, work very hard, stay out of trouble and complete their education deserve a better life.""Can we get on with this, ma? I am trying hard not to freeze to death.""Are you cold?""No! But I am freezing yo death inside of me.""Give me time."I watched as the woman looked at my file, raised it up, turned it over and placed it back on
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 13
"Seven children?" Miss Bisi repeated. "I am sorry, you want us to have seven children.""Yes!" Uncle Max smiled."And you mustn't apologize all the time. It is permitted for couples to share diverse opinions on children. As long as there is love, there is unity.""And you want us to have peace in a home filled with seven children?"Uncle Max didn't mind having lots of children even if it was a dozen because he had spent most of his whole life being alone. The fact that Miss Bisi wanted less than seven kids was not going to change his mind."I was thinking," I interrupted, "with the rate of inflation going on in Nigeria and with the way jobs are getting fewer, how are you guys going to raise seven children in an unstable mixed economy?""God will provide," Uncle Max smiled."Yes! God will provide," Miss Bisi added, supporting his statement. "What is on my mind is not giving birth but being referred to as a married woman. I want people to start
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 9
"I want to help you, Perer," the therapist said. "We agreed to meet two days ago. Why did you delay?""I can't answer that, ma. And you can't help me. I am already a lost cause who is swimming on the surface of the earth. My time will come and I will soon die.""I understand," the therapist wrote something down on a book. "Any memories of your childhood you might want to share with me? Since the conversation about the people you care about last time did not lead us anywhere, I thought it would be best if you tell me about your childhood.""There is nothing to talk about in my childhood. It was a moment that has passed. It can't come back again even if I want it to."“Are you happy with the way your life is right now, Perer?”"Happiness is a subjective question, ma. It can mean a lot to a lot of people. Some people are in a relationship not because they are happy about it but because th
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger August 1
My day started almost in a haste. It started with the early morning sun shining in a rush before the rain started falling slowly from the sky. The rain fell like fine sifted unwanted powder thrown from above. I was still in Enugu and I was still at Uncle Max's house, acting with utmost perfection as if everything was alright with me. Not for one single time did Uncle Max wonder if my silence was a new found habit or if it was a cage I had deeply fallen into. The lack of communication that started between us two weeks ago was still growing everyday as if it had an unquenchable hunger that needed to be settled. The lack of communication bothered me as I counted the number of days remaining for the year to end. One hundred and fifty two days!"Miss Bisi is coming today," Uncle Max said as he served me a plate of rice and stew. "She has been asking questions about you and I have been finding lies to tell her. What is really wrong with you, Perer?"I felt my jaw drop but I
Perer Ford: Diary of a Stranger July 31
I did not talk. I could not talk as I sat on the white plastic chair. The therapist repeated the question, and again, instead of a response, all she got from me was a bland dying stare."Perer, relax. I want you to relax. I hope the plastic chair is comfortable?""Relaxation is not something that I fancy these days. Say what you want to say. I will answer as much as I can answer.""Alright," the therapist wore her glasses. "Perer, it may interest you to be informed that I have read your file over and over again and I still don't understand what your problem is. You said you are not suicidal but yet you are depressed. Do you care to explain what you mean by that statement? I will give you time to think about my question while I go through your file. I have decided to not charge you because I admire your courage to seek help. It is not common for young people of your age to admit they are suicidal. They see it as a crime!"I inhaled softly as I climbed into
